Method and apparatus for opt-in compliance with regulations

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods, systems and paradigms for opt-in compliance with regulations. A region in physical space is defined. A condition for the region is defined, the condition being a capability of a communicator such as video recording, still image recording, audio recording, audio output, text messaging, audio communication, or remote connection. The presence and location of a communicator with the capability is detected in the region, and a message is sent to the communicator with a request for a response accepting or rejecting remote deactivation of the capability of the communicator. If an acceptance response is received, the communicator capability is deactivated. If an acceptance response is not received, a notification is generated that includes the lack of acceptance response and the location of the communicator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/903,934, filed May 28, 2013.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed technique relates to opt-in compliance with regulations,such as prohibitions against certain behaviors. More particularly, thedisclosed technique relates to approaches for obtaining opt-in fromcommunication devices and/or users thereof to refrain from certainbehaviors and/or to deactivate certain functions the communicationdevices themselves.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Achieving compliance with regulations in particular areas is alongstanding problem. For example, as portable electronic devices becomeincreasingly common, use of certain capabilities of such devices may beprohibited in some areas and circumstances as being inappropriate oreven dangerous. Reasons for such regulations vary, but might includepotential risks to safe operation of aircraft due to emissions fromelectronic devices, audible ring tones in restaurants and theaterscreating a disturbance for other patrons, video recording ofperformances or other events violating copyright or privacy laws and/orpresenting a nuisance for other attendees, etc.

Effectively achieving compliance with a prohibition against suchbehaviors, or more generally achieving compliance with otherregulations, may be problematic. Simply prohibiting behaviors may proveinsufficient to reliably achieve full compliance. Individually verifyingcompliance may be impractical in at least some situations. Unilaterallydeactivating electronic devices and/or rendering them incapable ofcertain functions, such as by generating interference fields that blockcell phone signals, may cause offense to users of the devices, and/ormay be legally problematic in certain jurisdictions.

There is a need for an effective method and apparatus for obtaining useropt-in for compliance with prohibition of problematic behaviors,including but not limited to problematic capabilities of devicesthemselves.

SUMMARY

The disclosed technique contemplates a variety of systems, apparatus,methods, and paradigms for obtaining opt-in to compliance withregulation, including but not limited to opt-in deactivation ofprohibited capabilities of electronic and/or communication devices.

In one embodiment of the disclosed technique, a method is provided thatincludes defining a region, and defining a condition for the region. Themethod also includes detecting the presence and location of acommunicator and the condition in the region and associating thecondition with the communicator. A message is sent to the communicator,the message including a request for a response. If a response isreceived accepting the content of the message, a first action isexecuted. If a response accepting the content of the message is notreceived, a second action is executed.

The region may be defined in physical space.

The communicator may be a phone, a personal data assistant, a tablet, alaptop computer, and/or a head mounted display.

The condition may be a capability of the communicator. The capabilitymay be video recording capability, still image recording capability,audio recording capability, audio output capability, text messagingcapability, audio communication capability, and/or remote connectioncapability.

The method may include defining limiting parameters for executing theactor input, executing the actor input within the parameters, anddetecting the actor input within the parameters.

The message may include a yes/no option. The message may include arequest for permission to deactivate a capability of the communicator.

The first action may include deactivating a capability of thecommunicator. Deactivating the capability of the communicator mayinclude sending a deactivation instruction to the communicator. Thecapability may be video recording capability, still image recordingcapability, audio recording capability, audio output capability, textmessaging capability, audio communication capability, and/or remoteconnection capability.

The second action may include generating a notification noting the lackof a response including acceptance and the location of the communicator.The second action may also include communicating the notification to arecipient. The recipient may include a video display, an audio speaker,and/or a data store.

Detecting the presence of the condition may include querying thecommunicator for the presence of the condition therein.

The method may include defining first and second regions, and definingthe condition for the first and second regions. The method may includedetecting the presence and location of the communicator within the firstand second regions, and detecting the presence and location of thecondition in the first and second regions. When the communicator is inthe first region, a first message is sent to the communicator. When thecommunicator is in the second region, a second message is sent to thecommunicator, the second message including the request for response. Thefirst action is executed if a response including acceptance of thecontent of the message is received; a second action is executed if aresponse including acceptance of the content of the message is notreceived.

The first message may include an advisory regarding the condition.

The method may include executing a third action when the presence of thecommunicator is no longer detected in the region. The first action mayinclude deactivating a capability of the communicator, and the thirdaction may include reactivating that capability of the communicator.

In another embodiment of the disclosed technique, an apparatus isprovided that includes a processor, a sensor in communication with theprocessor, and a first communicator in communication with the processor.The processor is adapted to define a region and to define a conditionfor the region. The sensor is adapted to detect the presence andlocation of a second communicator in the region, and to detect thepresence and location of the condition in the region. The processor isfurther adapted to associate the condition with the second communicator.The first communicator is adapted to send a message to the secondcommunicator, the message including a request for a response to themessage, and to receive the response. The processor is further adaptedto execute a first action if an acceptance response to the message isreceived, and to execute a second action if an acceptance response tothe message is not received.

The apparatus may include a recipient in communication with theprocessor, with the processor being adapted to generate a notificationif the acceptance response is not received, and the recipient beingadapted to receive the notification from the processor.

In another embodiment of the disclosed technique, an apparatus isprovided that includes means for defining a region, means for defining acondition for the region, means for detecting the presence and locationof a communicator in the region, means for detecting the presence andlocation of the condition in the region, means for associating thecondition with the communicator, means for sending a message to thecommunicator with the message including a request for a response to themessage, means for receiving the response, means for executing a firstaction if a response is received including acceptance of the content ofthe message, and means for executing a second action if a responseincluding acceptance is not received.

In another embodiment of the disclosed technique, a method is providedthat includes instantiating in a processor executable instructions forthe processor to define a region, instantiating in the processorexecutable instructions for the processor to define a condition for theregion, instantiating in the processor executable instructions for theprocessor to instruct a sensor in communication with the processor todetect the presence and location of a second communicator in the region,instantiating in the processor executable instructions for the processorto instruct the sensor to detect the presence and location of thecondition in the region, instantiating in the processor executableinstructions for the processor to associate the condition with thesecond communicator, instantiating in the processor executableinstructions for the processor to instruct a first communicator incommunication with the processor to send a message to the secondcommunicator with the message including a request for a response to themessage, instantiating in the processor executable instructions for theprocessor to instruct the first communicator to receive the response,instantiating in the processor executable instructions for the processorto execute a first action if an acceptance response to the message isreceived, and instantiating in the processor executable instructions forthe processor to execute a second action if the acceptance response isnot received.

In another embodiment of the disclosed technique, a method is providedthat includes storing in a data store executable instructions for aprocessor to define a region, storing in the data store executableinstructions for the processor to define a condition for the region,storing in the data store executable instructions for the processor toinstruct a sensor in communication with the processor to detect thepresence and location of a second communicator in the region, storing inthe data store executable instructions for the processor to instruct thesensor to detect the presence and location of the condition in theregion, storing in the data store executable instructions for theprocessor to associate the condition with the second communicator,storing in the data store executable instructions for the processor toinstruct a first communicator in communication with the processor tosend a message to the second communicator with the message including arequest for a response to the message, storing in the data storeexecutable instructions for the processor to instruct the firstcommunicator to receive the response, storing in the data storeexecutable instructions for the processor to execute a first action ifan acceptance response to the message is received, and storing in thedata store executable instructions for the processor to execute a secondaction if the acceptance response is not received.

In another embodiment of the disclosed technique, a method is providedthat includes defining a region in physical space. The method alsoincludes defining a condition for the region, the condition including acapability of a communicator, the capability including video recordingcapability, still image recording capability, audio recordingcapability, audio output capability, text messaging capability, audiocommunication capability, and/or remote connection capability. Themethod further includes detecting the presence and location of thecommunicator with the condition in the region, and sending a message tothe communicator with the message including a request for a responseincluding acceptance or rejection of deactivation of the capability ofthe communicator. If an acceptance response is received, the capabilityis deactivated. If an acceptance response is not received, anotification is generated including the lack of the acceptance responseand the location of the communicator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numbers generally indicate corresponding elements in thefigures.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B shows an example embodiment of a method forobtaining opt-in compliance with regulations, in accordance with thedisclosed technique.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B shows another example embodiment of a method forobtaining opt-in compliance with regulations, in accordance with thedisclosed technique.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic arrangement of an apparatus in accordance withthe disclosed technique.

FIG. 4 shows an example arrangement an apparatus in accordance with thedisclosed technique.

FIG. 5 shows another example arrangement an apparatus in accordance withthe disclosed technique.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a processing system that can implementoperations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a method of obtaining opt-incompliance with regulations is shown therein.

Beginning with FIG. 1A, in the example method shown therein a region isdefined 104. The region defined may be an area of physical space, forexample the interior of a building such as a theater or restaurant, thecabin of an aircraft, a portion of a street or other public space, etc.The region may be three dimensional, such as a volume occupied by a roomor rooms on a single floor of a building. However, the region may alsobe substantially two dimensional, for example having a defined“footprint” but no specifically defined maximum or minimum height. Otherarrangements may be equally suitable; the disclosed technique is notparticularly limited with regard to the details of the defined region.

It may not be necessary for the regions to have sharp or absoluteboundaries, or fixed boundaries. Uncertainty in the position ofboundaries for a region, “fuzziness” in terms of whether, along theboundaries, a particular location is inside or outside of the region,and/or variation in position of boundaries of a region over time may bepermissible for at least certain embodiments.

The method also includes defining a condition 106. Typically, althoughnot necessarily, the condition will be a capability of a portableelectronic communications device. For example, the condition might be acapability for recording video. That is, the condition would be met by(for example) the presence of a portable electronic device capable ofrecording video. Other possible conditions include, but are not limitedto, a capability for recording still images, a capability for recordingaudio, a capability for outputting audio, a capability for sendingand/or receiving text messages, a capability for sending and/orreceiving audio communications (e.g. telephone conversations), and acapability for making and/or utilizing remote data connections (e.g.interne service). However, these conditions are examples only, and otherconditions may be equally suitable.

Typically, such conditions will be associated with regulations that areapplicable within the defined region. That is, a region defined within amovie theater might have a regulation prohibiting audible cell phonering tones, and the condition may be defined 106 as a capability to emitaudible ring tones. It is noted that although certain examples presentedherein refer specifically to prohibitions of certain actions, thedisclosed technique is not limited only to regulations that constituteprohibitions.

Continuing with FIG. 1A, if a communicator is present, that communicatoris detected and located 108.

The disclosed technique is not particularly limited as to the type ofcommunicator that may be present. As the term “communicator” is usedherein, a communicator is a device or system that enables communicationbetween that device and some other communications device or system.Typically, though not necessarily, the communicator may be a portableelectronic communication device such as a cell phone, pager, tablet,PDA, laptop computer, head mounted display, etc. However, otherarrangements may be equally suitable.

Also, the disclosed technique is not particularly limited as to a mannerby which the communicator is detected and located. It will be understoodthat approaches for detecting and locating a particular communicatorwill depend at least in part on the nature of the communicator,including but not limited to the manner by which that communicatorcommunicates. For example, for a cell phone, detection and locationmight be accomplished by sensing radio signals from the cell phone so asto determine the presence of a cell phone, and by triangulating from twoor more sensors to determine the location of the cell phone. However,this is an example only, and other arrangements, including but notlimited to GPS, differential GPS, and optical identification, may beequally suitable.

Moreover, it is noted that the disclosed technique is not necessarilylimited only to detecting communicators that are within the region.Detecting and/or locating communicators outside the region, while notrequired, is permissible.

Returning to FIG. 1A, if the condition defined in step 106 is present,the condition is detected and located 110.

As with detecting and locating the communicator, the disclosed techniqueis not particularly limited as to a manner by which the condition isdetected and located. It will be understood that approaches fordetecting and locating a particular condition will depend at least inpart on the nature of the condition that is to be detected, as definedin step 106. For example, given an embodiment wherein the conditiondefined in step 106 is the capability for flash photography, flashcameras might be detected by using image sensors to detect the flashitself and the location of that flash. Alternately, image sensors mightbe used in combination with object recognition algorithms so as tovisually identify the presence and location of a photograph flash unitwhether or not the flash is used. As yet another approach, for certainconditions it may be possible to query the source of the conditionitself, e.g. transmitting a query to a head mounted display as towhether that display has video recording capability, and if so whetherthat video recording capability is currently on.

It is noted that the disclosed technique is not necessarily limited onlyto detecting defined conditions that are within the region. Detectingand/or locating defined conditions outside the region, while notrequired, is permissible.

In addition, it is noted that for some embodiments, the condition may beintegral to a particular communicator. For example, if the conditiondefined in step 106 is the capability to generate audible cell phonering tones (as might be of concern for example in a movie theater), thenthe communicator and the condition—that is, a cell phone and the cellphone's ability to generate audible ring tones—may be linked such thatin detecting and locating the communicator in step 108, the conditionlikewise is detected and located 110. Thus, for certain embodiments step110 may be combined with step 108, and/or detecting and locating acommunicator 108 may use similar or even identical approaches todetecting and locating the condition 110 itself.

However, such integral linking of the communicator with the conditionmay not exist for all embodiments. To return to the example of flashphotography, assuming the flash camera is not itself a communicator,then detecting and locating communicator(s) 108 present within theregion might then be distinct from detecting and locating instances ofthe condition 106 present within the region.

Furthermore, it is noted that determining a location of a communicatorand/or a condition does not necessarily imply determining location inthe form of a precise set of physical coordinates, or otherwiseidentifying a specific location in space. Rather, two factors aresufficient to determine location for the purposes of the disclosedtechnique.

First, whether a communicator and/or a condition is inside the region.As previously noted, some uncertainty and/or variability in theboundaries of the region is not excluded. Thus, some degree ofuncertainty or variability in such determinations, at least near theboundaries of the region, may also exist, and is not precluded from thedisclosed technique. Regardless of whether a determination is perfect orabsolute, it must be possible to obtain some determination as to whethera communicator and/or a condition is within the region or not.

Second, whether a communicator can be located sufficiently as to send amessage thereto. For this purpose, it may not be necessary to determinea physical location of the communicator at all, so long as some otherarrangement—for example, determining the cell phone number, identifyingcommunication protocols, even merely determining an appropriatefrequency for wireless communication, may be sufficient. Whiledetermining a location in space for the communicator is not excluded,determining precise locations is not required, and determining locationat all may not be required for some embodiments.

Again with regard to FIG. 1A, the condition is associated with thecommunicator 112. To continue the example of flash photography above, ifa communicator such as a cell phone is detected and located in step 108,and a flash photograph or a flash capable camera is detected and locatedin step 110, then an association (if any) between the cell phone and theflash camera is to be determined. That is, the flash camera (condition)carried by a user thereof is associated 112 with the cell phone(communicator) carried by that user.

Typically, although not necessarily, it may be determined that acondition and a communicator are associated by determining the relativeposition thereof. If, for example, a flash camera is located atsubstantially the same position as a cell phone, or is some relativelyshort distance away (e.g. a few tens of centimeters), then for someembodiments it may be concluded that the camera and the cell phone areassociated, presumably being carried by the same person.

However, other arrangements may be equally suitable. For example, visualdetection and location of the communicator and/or the condition mayreveal whether the communicator and the condition are associated.

In addition, it is possible, at least for some embodiments, that acommunicator and a condition may not be associated. That is, a conditionmay exist at a certain location without a communicator being present atthat location, and/or a communicator may exist at a certain locationwithout the defined condition being present at that location. In suchinstance, step 112 may not take place, as there would be no associationto be made.

Moving on in FIG. 1A, a determination is made as to whether thecommunicator and condition are present within the region 118. As noted,one or both of a communicator and a condition may be present, and may bepresent within a region, but unless both communicator and condition arepresent within the region and communicator and condition are associatedwith one another, the outcome of step 118 is no. If the outcome of thedetermination 118 is no, then the method returns to step 108. That is,if a communicator and associated condition are not found within theregion, the method continues to search for associations of acommunicator and the defined condition within the region.

Turning to FIG. 1B, if the outcome of the determination 118 is yes, amessage is sent 120 to the communicator. The message includes a requestfor a response therein.

Typically, though not necessarily, the message will include content thatannounces a regulation relevant to the particular embodiment. Forexample, if video recording is prohibited within a given region, and thecondition is defined 106 as a capability for video recording, themessage might include a statement to the effect that video recording isprohibited within the region.

In addition, as noted above, the message includes a request for aresponse, typically a yes/no request for compliance with the regulation,and/or a yes/no request for acceptance of a temporary deactivation ofthe condition in question while in the region. To continue with theexample, the message might include an “opt-in” query asking whether thecommunicator and/or the user will accept a temporary deactivation ofvideo recording capabilities while in the region.

Typically, the message will be addressed to a user of a device. Forexample, a text message might be delivered to a cell phone, with a queryto the user asking whether he or she will opt-in to deactivation of cellservice, audible ring tones, etc. while in the region. However, for someembodiments it may be equally suitable if the message is addressedinstead to an operating system or other set of executable instructionsoperating on a device, in addition to or in place of contacting the userdirectly. That is, a user might authorize the operating system of adevice to automatically accept such messages, to automatically acceptsuch messages under certain conditions (e.g. always when on commercialaircraft, or always when inside a particular business), etc.

Moving on in FIG. 1B, a determination is then made 122 as to whether aresponse accepting the message content is received or not. That is, foran arrangement wherein the message asked a user to opt-in to adeactivation of (for example) video recording, whether the user acceptedto the deactivation of video recording capability.

Receipt of a positive, opt-in response is of substance for step 122.Embodiments of the disclosed technique may or may not distinguishbetween cases wherein a response is received rejecting the messagecontent, and cases wherein no response is received or a response isreceived but not understood.

If an opt-in response is determined to have been received in step 122, afirst action is executed 124. Typically, though not necessarily, thefirst action will include removing or deactivating the definedcondition. For example, if the defined condition is a capability forvideo recording, the first action may include remote deactivation of thevideo recording capability.

The disclosed technique is not particularly limited as to the manner inwhich the condition is removed or deactivated. It will be understoodthat the manner for removing or deactivating the defined condition willdepend to at least some extent on the particulars of the definedcondition.

As previously described, the condition and the communicator may belinked in some instances. For example, the communicator might be a cellphone or head mounted display, with the condition being the videorecording capability of the cell phone or head mounted display. In suchinstances, the condition may be removed or deactivated by addressing thecommunicator. For example, the first action may be executed by sendingexecutable instructions to the cell phone, head mounted display, etc.that has the capability for recording video to shut down that videorecording capability.

However, other arrangements may be equally suitable.

Typically, such removal or deactivation of the condition is temporary,being maintained only so long as the user, device, etc. is presentwithin the region. To continue the example above, when the user, device,etc. is determined to have left the region, additional executableinstructions may for example be sent to the cell phone, head mounteddisplay, etc. to reactivate the video recording capability thereof.

Note that deactivation of a capability does not necessarily implycomplete deactivation of a device possessing that capability, ordeactivation of related capabilities. For example, a cell phone might beinstructed to shut off audible ring tones, but still permit sending andreceiving calls, text messages, etc. As another example, a tablet mighthave the capability to send or receive communications deactivated, whilethe ability to play video and music, run stored programs, etc. isunaffected. In addition, deactivation of a capability need not beabsolute. For example, an instruction might be sent to a cell phone togenerally prohibit making outgoing calls while in the region, but tostill permit emergency services calls such as 9-1-1 to be made.

The first action is not limited only to deactivation or removal of thecondition. For example, the first action might include an additionalmessage confirming shut-down of the capability, thanking the user forcomplying with the regulation, etc.

Other actions might include logging a record of the user's opt-in. Forexample, if a user violates a regulation that they had previouslyaccepted, and for which a record of the user's opt-in is logged,argument as to whether the user was aware of the regulation may beavoided.

In particular, logging may be useful for instances when removing ordeactivating the condition is impossible or otherwise undesirable. Forexample, in a region where flash photography is prohibited, remotedeactivation of the flash unit on a camera may not be possible unlessthe camera has remote communication capabilities. Nevertheless, thedisclosed technique may be used to obtain opt-in acceptance from usersof a policy prohibiting flash photography, with the user's acceptancethen being logged.

In addition, in instances wherein removal or deactivation of thecondition is impractical or impossible, logging may also serve as asource of information for other enforcement efforts. To continue theexample above, a staff member in the region wherein flash photography isprohibited might be advised as to the presence and location of anindividual with an active flash camera, so as to better monitor theindividual and prevent the use of the flash.

Returning to the determination of acceptance in step 122, if a responseaccepting the message is not received, a second action is executed 126.

Typically, though not necessarily, the second action will includegenerating a notification that a communicator and the defined conditionare associated together and are present within the region, and that anacceptance of compliance with the relevant regulation has not beenreceived. For example, if the defined condition is a capability forvideo recording, the second action may include generation of anotification that a capability for video recording existing in theregion, the location of that capability and/or the location of theassociated communicator (if the two locations are different), andinformation that remote deactivation of the video recording capabilitywas refused (or at least that acceptance of deactivation was notreceived).

Another option for the second action, in addition to or in place ofgenerating a notification, might be to send an additional message to thecommunicator (and thus to a user thereof) that they are in violation oflocal regulations, and requesting that they either comply or exit.Alternately, a message might also include information regarding how toobtain an exception. For example, while the operators of a restaurantmight prefer to prohibit cell phone calls and text messaging, theoperators might consider permitting physicians to retain the ability toconnect for phone and text communication in the event of an emergency.

Yet another option for the second action is to output the notificationto a recipient, such as a video screen, either fixed (e.g. the monitorof a PC) or portable (e.g. a tablet or cell phone screen). Other displayoutputs might include audio signals, vibrations (i.e. for a pager orcell phone), indicator lights, text messages, etc. By displaying theinformation, staff or other persons present within the region can bereadily made aware of the presence and location of a potential or actualviolation of the regulation behind the defined condition. For example,on an aircraft in flight the crew could be made aware that an electroniccommunication device is in operation on board. The notification may alsobe communicated to other systems, recorded in a data store, etc.

These are examples only, and other arrangements may also be equallysuitable.

Once the first action has been executed 124 or the second action hasbeen executed 126 for a particular communicator and condition, themethod returns to step 108. That is, the method continues to search forassociations of a communicator and the defined condition in the region.

Typically, though not necessarily, the method may not repeat withrespect to an individual communicator and condition. That is, once aresponse to the message has been obtained with opt-in to the regulation,additional messages requesting opt-in may not be necessary (i.e. so asnot to “spam” users or devices unnecessarily). Typically, though againnot necessarily, an opt-in request message will be sent when thecommunicator and condition are first sensed within the region, i.e. whena user first enters the region or when the user first exhibits thecondition in question. However, repeating opt-in request messages,and/or sending other messages, also is not excluded, nor is a delay insending an opt-in request message excluded.

For example, reminder messages might be sent periodically if thecommunicator subsequently remains within the region for some significanttime. As a more concrete example, a user viewing a double feature in atheater might be reminded that their video recording capability isinactive after the first film is complete. Likewise, a user who attemptsto reactive video recording capability while still within the regionmight also be reminded that video recording is prohibited therein.Alternately, if the region and/or condition are defined and/or imposedand/or changed with the user already present in the space occupied bythe region, new opt-in request messages might be sent then.

As noted, other messages also may be sent. In particular, an additionalthird message might be sent when the communicator is no longer withinthe region. For example, a third message might indicate that the usermay now reactivate video recording capability, that their videorecording capability has been reactivated (presumably combined withactual reactivation of video recording capability), etc.

As may be seen from the example embodiment of a method according to thedisclosed technique shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the disclosedtechnique provides an arrangement for individually contacting userswithin a defined region, and obtaining consent from those users tocomply with regulations such as prohibition of cell use, prohibition ofvideo recording, etc. If established as an embodiment that facilitatesautomatic use, for example utilizing an electronic data processorcapable of following executable instructions to scan a defined regionfor a communicator associated with a defined condition, such anembodiment of the disclosed technique may support automaticallyobtaining compliance from all persons with a communicator and meetingthe defined condition within the region. Thus, such an embodiment couldsupport individual attention to each person within the region, tosupport compliance by each such individual.

With regard to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the embodiment described thereinutilizes a single region. However, other arrangements may be equallysuitable. For example, different regulations might be applied todifferent regions, even within a single store, building, park, etc.Thus, for some embodiments it may be useful to define multiple regions,each region having its own condition or conditions defined therefor.

In addition, for certain embodiments it may be useful to define multipleregions addressing the same regulation. For example, an outer firstregion might be defined for advising persons therein of regulations thatare in place nearby, with an inner second region defined for obtainingopt-in compliance with those same regulations. A method for a two-regionsystem along such lines is shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

With reference to FIG. 2A, a first region is defined 202. For convenientthis first region may also be referred to as an outer region, thoughthis does not necessarily imply a particular geometry.

A second region is also defined 204. Again, for convenience this secondregion may be referred to as an inner region, though again this does notnecessarily imply a particular geometry.

A condition is defined 206, the condition being defined as applicable toa regulation imposed within the first and/or second regions. Typically,though not necessarily, the condition will be defined for a regulationthat is mandatory within the inner second region, and that is optionalor does not apply within the outer first region (but that may benoteworthy as an advisory, for example due to proximity with the innersecond region).

If communicators are present, the communicators are detected and located208. If the condition is present, the condition also is detected andlocated 210. If necessary, the condition is associated with anycommunicators 212 that were detected in step 208.

Continuing in FIG. 2A, a determination is made 214 as to whether acommunicator and the condition are present within the first (outer)region. If the outcome of the determination is yes, that is, acommunicator and the condition are both present in the first region andare associated with one another, then a first message is sent 216 to thecommunicator.

Typically, though not necessarily, the first message will includecontent that announces a regulation relevant to the particularembodiment, and/or that includes information regarding where theregulation applies. For example, if video recording is prohibited withinthe second (inner) region, and the condition is defined 206 as acapability for video recording, the first message might include astatement to the effect that video recording is prohibited in a nearbyarea. The first message might define and/or describe the area, and ormay include additional information, such as where to go or who tocontact to request an exception, a description of consequences ofviolation of the regulation, an explanation of the reasoning behind theregulation, etc.

The first message does not necessarily require a response, though afirst message that requests or requires a response also is notprohibited.

Referring again to step 214, it is noted that for the outcome to be yes,both a communicator and the condition must be present and associatedwith one another. In practice, instances may occur of either acommunicator or a condition being present but not both, or acommunicator and a condition both being present but not being associated(i.e. a communicator might be on one person, while another person somedistance away might be fulfilling the condition). Unless bothcommunicator and condition are present within the region andcommunicator and condition are associated with one another, the outcomeof step 214 is no.

If the outcome of step 214 is no, the method proceeds to step 218.

In step 218, a determination is made as to whether the communicator andcondition are present within the second (outer) region 218. Unless bothcommunicator and condition are present within the region andcommunicator and condition are associated with one another, the outcomeof step 218 is no. If the outcome of the determination 218 is no, thenthe method returns to step 208. That is, if a communicator andassociated condition are not found within the second region (and havingnot been found in the first region in step 214), the method continues tosearch for associations of a communicator and the defined condition inthe first and second regions.

Typically, though not necessarily, the method may not repeat individualfirst and second messages with respect to an individual communicator andcondition. That is, once a first message has been sent, additional firstmessages may not be necessary. Likewise, once a response to the secondmessage has been obtained with opt-in to the regulation, additionalsecond messages requesting opt-in also may not be necessary.

Typically, though again not necessarily, a first message will be sentwhen the communicator and condition are initially sensed within thefirst region, i.e. when a user enters the first region or when the userinitially exhibits the condition in question. Likewise, typicallyalthough not necessarily an opt-in request second message will be sentwhen the communicator and condition are initially sensed within thesecond region, i.e. when a user enters the second region or when theuser initially exhibits the condition in question. However, repeatingfirst messages, repeating opt-in request second messages, and/or sendingother messages, also is not excluded, nor is a delay in sending first orsecond messages excluded.

Turning to FIG. 2B, if the outcome of the determination in step 218 isyes, a second message is sent 220 to the communicator. The secondmessage includes a request for a response therein.

A determination is then made 222 as to whether a response accepting thesecond message content is received or not. That is, for an arrangementwherein the message asked a user to opt-in to a deactivation of (forexample) video recording, did the user respond that deactivation ofvideo recording capability is accepted, or not?

If an opt-in response is determined to have been received in step 222, afirst action is executed 224. Typically, though not necessarily, thefirst action will include removing or deactivating the definedcondition. For example, if the defined condition is a capability forvideo recording, the first action may include remote deactivation of thevideo recording capability.

If a response accepting the message is determined in step 222 not tohave been received, a second action is executed 126. Typically, thoughnot necessarily, the second action will include generating anotification that a communicator and the defined condition areassociated together and are present within the second region, and thatan acceptance of compliance with the relevant regulation has not beenreceived. For example, if the defined condition is a capability forvideo recording, the second action may include generation of anotification that a capability for video recording existing in thesecond region, the location of that capability and/or the location ofthe associated communicator (if the two locations are different), andinformation that remote deactivation of the video recording capabilitywas refused (or at least that acceptance of deactivation was notreceived).

Once the first action has been executed 224 or the second action hasbeen executed 226 for a particular communicator and condition, themethod returns to step 208. That is, the method continues to search forassociations of a communicator and the defined condition in the firstand second regions.

Turning to FIG. 3, a schematic arrangement is shown therein for anexample embodiment of an apparatus according to the disclosed technique.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a processor 352, a sensor354 in communication with the processor 352, and a first communicator356 in communication with the processor 352.

The processor 352 is adapted to define a region, and to define acondition for the region. The sensor 354 is adapted to detect a presenceand a location of a second communicator (not shown in FIG. 3), and todetect a presence and a location of a condition. (Keeping in mindprevious comments made with regard to possible uncertainty in preciselocation.) The processor 352 is further adapted to associate thecondition with the second communicator.

The first communicator 356 is adapted to send a message to the secondcommunicator, the message including a request for a response to saidmessage. The first communicator 356 is also adapted to receive aresponse from the second communicator.

In addition, the processor 352 is adapted to execute a first action ifan acceptance response to the message is received, and to execute asecond action if an acceptance response is not received.

A range of general-purpose, special-purpose, and embedded systems may besuitable for use as the processor 352. Moreover, it may be equallysuitable for the processor 352 to consist of two or more physical orlogical processor components.

A range of devices also may be suitable for use as the sensor 354. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the sensor 354 is shown with an outline of acompact digital camera, adapted to capture images and/or video. Use ofcameras, including but not limited to CMOS and CCD cameras, may besuitable for certain embodiments. However, other sensors, including butnot limited to radio-based sensors adapted to detect signals fromwireless communication devices such as cell phones, tablets, headmounted displays, etc., may also be equally suitable. In addition, forcertain embodiments a sensor 354 may not necessarily be a physicalsensing device. For example, software and/or hardware adapted totransmit and receive queries and/or other information from one wirelessdevice to another, may be adequate to identify and/or locate secondcommunicators and their capabilities (i.e. whether those capabilitiesmeet the defined condition) by “asking” the second communicators aboutthe second communicators' function, capability, location, etc.

Similarly, a range of devices may be suitable for use as firstcommunicators 356. As illustrated, the first communicator 356 in FIG. 3is a wireless communicator adapted to utilize radio waves forcommunicating with cell phones, tablets, head mounted displays, etc.,but this is an example only, and other arrangements may be equallysuitable.

It is noted that while the first communicator 356 is an element of theapparatus according to the disclosed technique shown in FIG. 3, secondcommunicators—not shown and not numbered in FIG. 3, but referred toherein—are not part of the disclosed technique. Rather, secondcommunicators are communicators that are to be detected and locatedwithin the defined region.

The example embodiment in FIG. 3 also includes a recipient 358. Arecipient 358 is an optional element, and may not be present in allembodiments. A recipient 358 functions to receive information from theprocessor 352, sensor 354, and/or first communicator 356; the recipient358 may also perform some additional function with such information,such as displaying the information in a visible or audible form,recording the information in a data store, etc. The recipient 358, ifpresent, may take various forms depending on the embodiment. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3 the recipient 358 may be a display screen,but other arrangements, including but not limited to an audio speaker, ahard drive or other data storage system, etc. may be equally suitable.

The manner by which the processor 352 is in communication with thesensor 354, the first communicator 356, and (if present) the recipient358 is not particularly limited. As illustrated in FIG. 3, componentsare shown to communicate by wire link, but other arrangements, includingbut not limited to wireless communication, may be equally suitable.Likewise, although the processor 352, sensor 354, first communicator356, and (if present) recipient 358 are shown grouped together in FIG.3, individual elements of the apparatus may be separated from oneanother in other embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 4, therein is shown an example embodiment of thedisclosed technique in use. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the apparatusincludes a processor 452, a sensor 454, a first communicator 456, and arecipient 458. As noted previously, the elements of the apparatus may beseparated; as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 454 is a significant distancefrom the processor 452, first communicator 456, and recipient 458.

A region 460 is defined by the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4 the region460 is a circle of space though in other embodiments the shape, size,arrangement, etc. of the region 460 may vary. In addition, as shown inFIG. 4, the sensor 454 is disposed so as to be substantially centeredwithin the region 460. However, this is an example only, and the sensor454 may be disposed elsewhere with respect to the region 460, includingbut not limited to be disposed outside the region 460.

FIG. 4 also shows a second communicator 464, the second communicator 464being disposed within the region 460. As noted previously, the secondcommunicator 464 is not necessarily part of the apparatus; the secondcommunicator 464 is shown here for clarity, as the disclosed techniquefunctions in part to detect and locate second communicators 464, e.g.within a defined region 460.

As also noted, the disclosed technique also detects and locates adefined condition, e.g. within a defined region. Unless otherwisespecified herein, with respect to FIG. 4 (and subsequent FIG. 5) itshould be understood that for purposes of explanation the secondcommunicator 464 is assumed to also satisfy the defined condition, e.g.the second communicator 464 has video recording capability, etc.

Thus, in operation the apparatus would detect and locate the secondcommunicator 464, would detect and locate the condition as associatedwith the second communicator 464, and would send a message to the secondcommunicator 464 as previously described with regard to FIG. 1A and FIG.1B, requesting opt-in (for example) to deactivate the video recordingcapability of the second communicator 464, as also described with regardto FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein is shown another example embodiment ofthe disclosed technique in use. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, theapparatus includes a processor 552, a sensor 554, a first communicator556, and a recipient 558.

In FIG. 5, a second (inner) region 560 is defined by the apparatus. Inaddition, a first (outer) region 562 also is defined. As illustrated thefirst and second regions 562 and 560 are concentric with the firstregion 562 fully enclosing the second region 560, but this is an exampleonly and other arrangements may be equally suitable.

FIG. 5 also shows two second communicators 564A and 564B, with secondcommunicator 564A being disposed within the first region 460 and secondcommunicator 564B being disposed within the second region 462. Thesecond communicators 564A and 564B are not necessarily part of theapparatus, but are shown here for clarity.

In operation the apparatus would detect and locate second communicator564A within the second region, would detect and locate the condition asassociated with second communicator 564A, and would send a secondmessage to second communicator 564A as previously described with regardto FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, requesting opt-in (for example) to deactivatethe video recording capability of second communicator 564A, as alsodescribed with regard to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

In addition, the apparatus would detect and locate second communicator564B within the first region, would detect and locate the condition asassociated with second communicator 564B, and would send a first messageto second communicator 564B as previously described with regard to FIG.2A and FIG. 2B.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus that may perform variousoperations, and store various information generated and/or used by suchoperations, according to an embodiment of the disclosed technique. Theapparatus can represent any computer or processing system describedherein. The processing system 600 is a hardware device on which any ofthe entities, components or services depicted in the examples of FIGS.1-5 (and any other components described in this specification) can beimplemented. The processing system 600 includes one or more processors605 and memory 610 coupled to an interconnect 615. The interconnect 615is shown in FIG. 6 as an abstraction that represents any one or moreseparate physical buses, point to point connections, or both connectedby appropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. The interconnect 615,therefore, may include, for example, a system bus, a PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) bus or PCI-Express bus, a HyperTransport orindustry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a small computer systeminterface (SCSI) bus, a universal serial bus (USB), IIC (I2C) bus, or anInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394bus, also called “Firewire”.

The processor(s) 605 is/are the central processing unit (CPU) of theprocessing system 600 and, thus, control the overall operation of theprocessing system 600. In certain embodiments, the processor(s) 605accomplish this by executing software or firmware stored in memory 610.The processor(s) 605 may be, or may include, one or more programmablegeneral-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), programmable controllers, application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), trustedplatform modules (TPMs), or the like, or a combination of such devices.

The memory 610 is or includes the main memory of the processing system600. The memory 610 represents any form of random access memory (RAM),read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, or the like, or a combination ofsuch devices. In use, the memory 610 may contain a code. In oneembodiment, the code includes a general programming module configured torecognize the general-purpose program received via the computer businterface, and prepare the general-purpose program for execution at theprocessor. In another embodiment, the general programming module may beimplemented using hardware circuitry such as ASICs, PLDs, orfield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Also connected to the processor(s) 605 through the interconnect 615 area network adapter 630, a storage device(s) 620 and I/O device(s) 625.The network adapter 630 provides the processing system 600 with theability to communicate with remote devices, over a network and may be,for example, an Ethernet adapter or Fibre Channel adapter. The networkadapter 630 may also provide the processing system 600 with the abilityto communicate with other computers within the cluster. In someembodiments, the processing system 600 may use more than one networkadapter to deal with the communications within and outside of thecluster separately.

The I/O device(s) 625 can include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse orother pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other inputand/or output devices, including a display device. The display devicecan include, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient displaydevice.

The code stored in memory 610 can be implemented as software and/orfirmware to program the processor(s) 605 to carry out actions describedabove. In certain embodiments, such software or firmware may beinitially provided to the processing system 600 by downloading it from aremote system through the processing system 600 (e.g., via networkadapter 630).

The techniques introduced herein can be implemented by, for example,programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors) programmedwith software and/or firmware, or entirely in special-purpose hardwired(non-programmable) circuitry, or in a combination of such forms.Special-purpose hardwired circuitry may be in the form of, for example,one or more ASICs, PLDs, FPGAs, etc.

Software or firmware for use in implementing the techniques introducedhere may be stored on a machine-readable storage medium and may beexecuted by one or more general-purpose or special-purpose programmablemicroprocessors. A “machine-readable storage medium”, as the term isused herein, includes any mechanism that can store information in a formaccessible by a machine.

A machine can also be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, aBlackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router,switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

A machine-accessible storage medium or a storage device(s) 620 includes,for example, recordable/non-recordable media (e.g., ROM; RAM; magneticdisk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; etc.),etc., or any combination thereof. The storage medium typically may benon-transitory or include a non-transitory device. In this context, anon-transitory storage medium may include a device that is tangible,meaning that the device has a concrete physical form, although thedevice may change its physical state. Thus, for example, non-transitoryrefers to a device remaining tangible despite this change in state.

The term “logic”, as used herein, can include, for example, programmablecircuitry programmed with specific software and/or firmware,special-purpose hardwired circuitry, or a combination thereof.

The above specification, examples, and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A method, comprising: defining, by a processing device of a firstelectronic device, a regulated activity for the first electronic devicefor a geographic region; detecting, by a sensor of the first electronicdevice, a presence of the first electronic device in the geographicregion; determining a capability of the first electronic device toperform the regulated activity; while the regulated activity is capableto be performed at the first electronic device: receiving, from a secondelectronic device, a notification indicating that the regulated activityis restricted within the geographic region, wherein the notificationcomprises: an announcement regarding a restriction of the regulatedactivity for the first electronic device; and a request for a user inputindicating whether the first electronic device will deactivate thecapability of the first electronic device while in the geographicregion; in response to the user input indicating a user of the firstelectronic device agrees to deactivate the capability of the firstelectronic device while in the geographic region, executing, by theprocessing device of the first electronic device, a first actionassociated with the notification, wherein the first action, executed bythe processing device, includes deactivating the capability of the firstelectronic device while the first electronic device is in the geographicregion; and in response to the user input indicating the user of thefirst electronic device does not agree to deactivate the capability ofthe first electronic device while in the geographic region, executing,by the processing device, a second action associated with thenotification, wherein the second action, executed by the processingdevice, includes sending a non-compliance notification to the secondelectronic device indicating an affirmative rejection of the request. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device includes atleast one of a phone, a personal data assistant, a tablet, a laptopcomputer, or a head mounted display.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereinthe capability includes at least one of a video recording capability, astill image recording capability, an audio recording capability, anaudio output capability, a text messaging capability, an audiocommunication capability, or a remote connection capability.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the notification includes at least one of ayes option or no option for indicating whether the user agrees todeactivating the capability of the first electronic device while in thegeographic region.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the notificationincludes a request for the first electronic device to deactivate thecapability while in the geographic region.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the first action includes deactivating the capability of thefirst electronic device.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprisingsending, by the first electronic device, a deactivation notification tothe second electronic device indicating the capability has beendeactivated.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the second actioncomprises sending a non-compliance notification indicating at least oneof a lack of a response to the request or an affirmative rejection ofthe request.
 9. A method, comprising: defining a first regulatedactivity for a first electronic device for a first geographic region;defining a second regulated activity for the first electronic device fora second geographic region; detecting, by a sensor of the firstelectronic device, a presence of the first electronic device within thefirst geographic region; determining a first capability and a secondcapability of the first electronic device to perform the first regulatedactivity; while the first regulated activity is capable to be performedat the first electronic device: receiving, from a second electronicdevice, a first notification indicating that the first regulatedactivity is restricted within the first geographic region, wherein thefirst notification comprises: a first announcement regarding a firstrestriction of the first regulated activity for the first electronicdevice; and a first request for a first user input indicating whetherthe first electronic device will deactivate the first capability of thefirst electronic device while in the first geographic region; inresponse to the first user input indicating a user of the firstelectronic device agrees to deactivate the first capability of the firstelectronic device while in the first geographic region, executing afirst action associated with the first notification, wherein the firstaction includes deactivating the first capability of the firstelectronic device while the first electronic device is in the firstgeographic region; and in response to the first user input indicatingthe user does not agree to deactivate the first capability of the firstelectronic device while in the first geographic region, executing asecond action associated with the first notification, wherein the secondaction includes sending a first non-compliance notification to thesecond electronic device indicating an affirmative rejection of therequest; detecting, by the sensor of the first electronic device, apresence of the first electronic device within the second geographicregion; while the second regulated activity is capable to be performedat the first electronic device: receiving, from the second electronicdevice, a second notification from the second notification indicatingthat the second regulated activity is restricted within the secondgeographic region, wherein the second notification comprises: a secondannouncement regarding a second restriction of the second regulatedactivity for the first electronic device; and a second request for asecond user input indicating whether the first electronic device willdeactivate the second capability of the first electronic device while inthe second geographic region; in response to the second user inputindicating the user agrees to deactivate the second capability of thefirst electronic device while in the second geographic region, executinga third action associated with the second notification, wherein thethird action includes deactivating the second capability of the firstelectronic device while the first electronic device is in the secondgeographic region; and in response to the second user input indicatingthe user does not agree to deactivate the second capability of the firstelectronic device while in the second geographic region, executing afourth action associated with the second notification, wherein thefourth action includes sending a second non-compliance notification tothe second electronic device indicating an affirmative rejection of therequest.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first announcementincludes an advisory regarding a statutory regulated restriction for thefirst geographic region.
 11. The method of claim 9, comprising executinga fifth action when the first electronic device no longer detected inthe first geographic region or the second geographic region.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the first action includes deactivating thefirst capability and the fifth action includes reactivating the firstcapability.
 13. A device, comprising: a sensing device configured todetect a presence of a processing device in a geographic region; and theprocessing device communicatively coupled to the sensing device, theprocessing device configured to: determine a capability of theprocessing device to perform a regulated activity; while the regulatedactivity is capable to be performed at the first electronic device:receive, from an electronic device, a notification indicating that aregulated activity of the processing device is restricted within thegeographic region, wherein the notification comprises: an announcementregarding a restriction of the regulated activity for the processingdevice; and a request for a user input, from a user, indicating whetherthe processing device will deactivate the capability while in thegeographic region; in response to the user input indicating a useragrees to deactivate the capability while in the geographic region,execute a first action associated with the notification wherein thefirst action, executed by the processing device, includes deactivatingthe capability of the processing device while the processing device isin the geographic region; and in response to the user input indicatingthe user does not agree to deactivate the capability while in thegeographic region, execute a second action associated with thenotification, wherein the second action, executed by the processingdevice, includes sending a non-compliance notification to the electronicdevice indicating an affirmative rejection of the request.
 14. Thedevice of claim 13, wherein the user input is an input indicating thatthe user opts into compliance with a regulation restricting theregulated activity.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the notificationindicates the performing the regulated activity in the geographic regionis inappropriate or dangerous.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein thesensing device is configured to: detect a presence of the processingdevice using a first sensor when the processing device has a firstconfiguration; and detect a presence of the processing device using asecond sensor when the processing device has a second configuration. 17.The device of claim 16, wherein the first sensor is an optical sensorand the second sensor is a communication device.
 18. The device of claim13, wherein: the regulated activity is photography or videoing withinthe geographic region; and the capability of the processing device is totake a photograph or a video.
 19. The device of claim 13, wherein thefirst action is a temporary deactivation of the capability while theprocessing device is in the geographic region.
 20. The device of claim13, further comprising a memory device communicatively coupled to theprocessing device, wherein the memory device is configured to log theuser input associated with the processing device.